Folding-machine.



PATENTED JULY 3, 1906. G. A. STURTEVANT. FOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATIONFILED JAN. 23. 1905.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

| I l I l I I I IL THE uonms ps-rsns cm, wxsnmarcm, n. c.

No. 824,754. I PATENTED JULY'B, 1906. 0. A., STURTEVANT.

FOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN.23.1905.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

iniuen zor m: mmms PETERS co., wnsnmarou, n. c.

No. 824,754. I PATEN'TED JULY 3, 1906. 0. A. STURTEVANT.

FOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN.23,1905

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

rnz NORRIS PETERS co, wnsnmcrmv, n. c.

No. 824,754. PATENTED JULY 3, 1906.

G. A. STURTEVANT. FOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.23.1906.

'1 SHEETS-SHEET 4;

PATENTED JULY 3, 1906. 0. A. STURTEVANT.

FOLDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN.Z3.1905.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

rm: mamas PETERS co., WASHINGTON, n, c.

No. 824,754 7 PATENTEDJULY 3, 1906. G. A. STURTEVANT. FOLDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILE?) JAN.23.1905.

. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 6. ,1)? 4/ l1 No. 824,754. PATENTED JULY 3, 1906. c. A.STURTEVANT.

FOLDING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED JAI T, 23,1905.

'7 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

THE mmms PETERS ca, \vAsHmcTcN, n. c.

name srArns PATENT time.

CHARLES A. STURTEVANT. OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, ASS IGNOR TO E. C.FULLER COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

FOLDING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 3, 1906.

To (LZZ whom it Duty concern:

Be it known that l, CnARLns A. STURTE- VANT, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Plainfield, in the county of Union and State of NewJersey, have invented new and useful Improvements in Folding-Machines,of which the following is a specification.

his invention relates more particularly to a folding-machine capable offolding a sheet of paper or the like into a signature having one or moreparallel or right-angle folds but some of the features are alsoapplicable to other types of folding-machines.

One of the objects of this invention is to so connect or mount thefolding-blades on their supporting or actuating means that the same willautomatically adjust themselves to the sheets and folriling-rollers withwhich they cooperate, thus avoiding the necessity of accuratelyadjusting these parts relatively to each other and also permitting thefoldingrollers to run closer together for producing a sharper crease inthe paper than has been possible heretofore.

Another object of this invention is to provide simple and convenientmeans whereby the sheets may be directed either toward the devices whichfold the same into periodical form or toward those devices which foldthe same into book form and, if desired, to perforate the signaturewhile in transit to either of these devices.

Another object of my invention is to provide reliable and efficientmeans for causing the signature to be discharged directly from one ofthe pairs of folding-rollers into a stacker-box or for causing the sameto be delivered from said rollers to devices which produce another foldin the same.

This invention has. the further object to improve the machine in severaldetails of construction.

In the accompanying drawings, consisting of seven sheets, Figure 1 is atop plan view of a sheet-folding machine embodying my improven'ients..Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic horizontal sectional view of the mechanism foroperating a plurality of packers. Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinalsection, on an enlarged scale, taken in line 3 3, Fig. 1.. Figs. 4 and 5are vertical transverse sections taken on the correspondingly-numberedlines in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectionof one of the folding and stacking devices, taken in line 6 6, Fig. 4.Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale, in line7 7, Fig. 4, showing the box-elevating mechanism of the last-mentionedstacking device. Fig. 8 is a horizontal section in line 8 8, Fig. 7.Fig. 9 is a fragmentary transverse section, on an enlarged scale, takenin line 9 9, Fig. 3, and showing the switch mechanism for directing thesheets either toward the book or periodical folding devices. Fig. 10 isa fragmentary horizontal section in line 10 10, Fig. 9. Figs. 11 and 12are fragmentary vertical sections in lines 11 11 and. 12 12, Fig. 9.Fig. 13 is a fragmen-L tary vertical section, on an enlarged scale,taken in line 18 13, Fig. 4. Figs. 14 and 15 are vertical transversesections taken in lines 14 14 and 1.5 15, Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is afragmentary top plan view of the third pair of book folding-rollers andadjacent parts. Fig. 17 is a fragmentary top plan view, on an enlargedscale, of one of the folding-blades having but a single carrier orsupporting rockarm. Fig. 18 is a similar view showing a folding-bladehaving a pair of such carriers or supporting-arms. Fig. 1.9 is avertical cross-section in line 19 1.9, Fig. 17. Fig. 20 is a detachedelevation of the gears forming part of the driving mechanism of thetapes which carry the signatures either to the book. or periodicalfolding devices.

Similar letters of reference indicate corre sponding parts throughoutthe several views.

In its general organization this foldingmachine consists of a main frameA a feed board or table a, arranged at the front end of the frame andadapted to support the pile of sheets to be folded into signatures; afirst pair of folding-rollers b 1), arranged in the upper part of theframe in rear of the table and adapted to produce the first fold in thesheet; a second pair of folding-rollers c 0', arranged at right anglesto the first pair and receiving the sheet therefrom; a third pair offoldingrollers d cl, arranged parallel to the first pair and receivingthe sheet from the second pair; a fourth pair of book folding-rollers ee, arranged parallel to the second pair and receiving the sheet from thethird pair of bookro lers; a third pair of eriodical folding-rollersff,arranged paral el to the first pair and receiving the sheets from thesecond pair; a fourth pair of periodical folding-rollers g 9, arrangedparallel to the third pair of periods ical-rollersf f and receiving thesheets therefrom, and a fourth pair of periodical foldingrollers h It,arranged parallel to the second pair. These several pairs of rollers areall arranged horizontally, the first pair being arranged lengthwise .inthe upper part of the frame, the second pair in. front of the first, thethird pair of book-rollers (Z (l and the third pair ofperiodical-rollersf f being arranged parallel to the first and onopposite sides of the second. pair, the fourth periodical-rollers g gbeing in rear of the third pair ff and the fourth periodical-rollers hIt being to the left of the third periodical-rollers f 7. Each pair ofthese rollers may be connected by the usual intermeshing gears a, asshown .in the drawings, for causing them to turn. together, and theseveral pairs may be driven in any suitable manner, but preferably asfollows: I represents the driving-shaft ournaled transversely in theframe and provided. at its outer end with a cone-driving pulley, a mainlongitudinal shaft i connected by bevel-gears i with the driving-shaft,a gear-wheel i on the main shaft meshing with the gear-wheel of thefirst roller 6, a pair of bevel gear-wheels i connecting the main shaftwith the roller of the second pair, a longitudinalcam-shaft I, having agear-wheel i meshing with a pinion at the front end of the main shaft, alongitudinal counter-shaft i connected with the roller 9 of the fourthperiodical pair and having a pinion i7 meshing with the gearwheel i aninclined shaft i connected at one end by interineshing bevel gear-wheelsi with the counter-shaft and at its opposite end by similar wheels iwith the rollers (Z f of the third book and periodical pairs parallel tothe first, intermeshing spiral gear-wheels i secured, respectively, tothe rear end of the main shaft and the shaft of the roller h of thefourth periodical pair, and a short vertical shaft connected at itsupper end by a pair of intermeshing bevel gear-wheels i with the mainshaft and at its lower end by a similar pair of wheels i with the roller6 of the fourth book pair, shown in Figs. 1, 3 to 6, and 16. One of therollers of each pair isjournaled in bearings j, which are fixed on themain frame, while the companion rolleris journaled in bearings j, whichare movable toward and from the fixed bearings and are yieldinglypressed toward the same by means of springs 7' as is commonly done infolding-machines of this class. Bearings of this character areillustrated in Figs. ll and 13.

The sheet propelling mechanism comprises a set of tapes B, which carryth sheets from the feed-board to the first rollers; a set of tapes C,which carry the sheets from the first to the second rollers; a singleset of tapes D, which carry the sheets from the second rollers either tothe fourth periodical-rollers h h or to the third book-rollers (Z d orthe third periodical-rollers f f, a set of tapes E,

which carry the sheets from the third bookrollers d d to the fourthboolerollers c c, and a set of tapes F, which carry the sheets from thethird 1)eriodical-rollersff to the fourth periodical-rollers g g. Thefirst tapes B pass at their receiving and delivery ends around receiving and delivery rollers I). The second. tapes C pass at theirreceiving and delivery ends around. the roller 1) of the first pair andaround tightcuier-rollers b. The third tapes D pass transverselyuiiiderncath the second rollers and lengthwise of both pairs of thirdrollers which are parallel to the first and at one end around the roller7i of the fourth pair parallel to the second, while their opposite endspass around guide-rollers (Z on the main frame. The book-tapes E pass attheir front and rear ends around receiving and delivery rollers (2 c andthe periodical-tapes F pass at one end around the roller 9 and at theopposite end around a roller 7, while the intermediate portions of thesame pass over the roller f and underneath the roller f, as shown inFigs. 3, 4, and 5. The first set of tapes B is driven from thedriving-shaft by a train of gears If, connecting the same with the shaftof the receiving-roller b while the remaining sets of tapes are drivenby the folding-rollers around which they pass.

K to K are the several fol ding-bl ades which cooperate with thefolding-rollers of the first pair, second pair, third book pair, fourthbook pair, third periodical pair parallel to the first, fourthperiodical pair parallel to the second, and the fourth. periodical pairparallel to the first, respectively, each blade being arranged above itsrespective pair of rollers and movable vertically toward and from thespace between the same. Each of these folding-blades is mounted on thefree ends of one or more rock-arms 7c, which are secured to a horizontalrock-shaft 76, which is journaled in bearings on the frame. The shaft ofthe first folding-blade is rocked by means of a cam 76, arranged on thecam-shaft and operating to turn an arm 7r, which is secured to saidrockshaft in the direction for raising the "first blade K, this armbeing moved in the opposite direction by means of a spring k Therock-shaft of the second blade K is turned in the direction for raisingthis blade by means of a cam 7r, arranged on the cam-shaft and operatingagainst a rock-arm on said rockshaft, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Therockshaft of the blade K has a depending arm It' which is connected by arod it with a similar arm 76 on the rock-shaft of the blade K, causingthese blades to be raised and lowered. together. A spring Z, interposedbetween a stationary part of the main frame and a collar or shoulder onthe rod 7c", causes the blades K K to be moved downwardly when the camit presents its receding portion to the rock-arm 7d. The arms of bothfoldingblades K K are secured to the same r0clshaft, the latter beingoperated by means of a cam L on the cam-shaft engaging a rock-arm Z onsaid rock-shaft and turning the same in the direction for raising theblades K K. The downward movement of these parts is produced by a springZ The rock-shaft of the blade K is moved in unison with the blades Y K"by means of a rod P, which connects rock-arms Z 1, depending from saidrock-shafts, as shown in Fig. 5. The rockshaft of the fourth book-bladeK is operated from the cam-shaft by a transverse shaft Z, journaled onthe frame, an upwardly-projecting rock-arm Z having a roller engagingwith the cam is and a rod Z connecting a depending arm 1 on thetransverse shaft Z with a similar arm Z on the rock-shaft of the bladeK, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 6.

hen it is desired to produce a periodicalsignature having onelongitudinal fold and two successive parallel folds, the sheet is passedthrough the first rollers, the second rollers, and the third rollersparallel to the second. Upon passing the sheet successively through thefirst rollers, the second rollers, the third periodical-rollers parallelto the first, and the fourth periodical-rollers parallel to the thirdperiodical-rollers the sheet will be folded accordingly suitable forperiodicals. If it is desired to produce a book-sig nature having onetransverse fold and two longitudinal folds, the sheet is passedsuccessively through the first rollers, the second rollers, and thethird book-rollers d (1. Additional folds parallel to the first may beproduced in the book-signature by passing the sheet as it issues fromthe second rollers through the third and fourth book-rollers (Z d, e e.

In folding-machines as heretofore constructed the blades have alwaysbeen rigidly connected with their supporting-arms or other devices whichactuated or carried the same. This construction is objectionableinasmuch as it necessitates accurate adjustment of the folding-bladerelatively to the rollers with which the same cooperates, which involvesexpense, and it also necessitates separating the folding-rollers anabnormal extent in order to adapt them for folding different thicknessesof paper, rendering it impossible to produce a sharp fold in all kindsand thicknesses of paper. In the present construction it is proposed tomount the folding blade on or connect the same yieldingly with itscarrier or actuator in such manner that the blade may be deflected ormoved laterally more or less by the folding-rollers and sheets uponpassing between the same if the blade is not accurately centered. Thepreferred means for thus permitting the blade to adjust itselfrelatively to the folding-rollers consists of one or more bolts M,secured to the blade-support and passing through an opening in the bladeand the stiffening-bar m, at the upper edge thereof, and a spring minterposed between the front side of the blade and the head of the boltand operating to hold the back side of the stiffening-bar squarely inengagement with the face of the carrier. The opening in the blade andits stiffening-bar is flared from its center toward opposite ends, so asto permit the blade and bar to rock transversely relatively to itssupport and the roll ers with which it cooperates. In practice two suchbolts and springs are employed when the sup ort of the blade consists ofbut a single roc i-ELIIH which is connected by these bolts with thecenter of the blade. Such a construction is employed for the short orsmall blades of the third periodical foldingblade K the third bookfolding-blade K and the fourth book folding-blade K as shown in Figs. 3,6, and 17. When the blade is comparatively long or large, the same issupported near opposite ends by two separate rock-arms, and each ofthese arms is connected with the blade by a single bolt and spring, asshown in Fig. 18. Sucha construction is em loyed for supporting theblades K K and of the second rollers, the third rollers parallel to thesecond and the fourth rollers parallel to the third periodicalfoldingrollers. The rollers of each pair which cooperate with a yieldingblade are sufficiently close together to produce a comparatively sharpand perfect bend in the thinnest sheet which is designed to. be foldedin the machine, and the blade cooperating therewith is so adjustedrelatively thereto that it passes centrally between the rollers. If anyinaccuracy occurs in this adjustment, the blade upon entering betweenthe rollers will simply be deflected laterally toward the center up onengaging with either one or the other of the rollers without producingany cramping of the mechanism or injury to the paper. When thicker paperis to be folded in the machine, this can be done without furtheradjusting the parts, inasmuch as the movable roller of each pair willyield the required extent to accommodate itself to the increasedthicknesses of the sheets and the blade will be automatically deflectedso as to enter between the rollers and engage the sheet centrally. Thisflexible or loose connection between the blade and its support is notabsolutely necessary for the first folding-blade K, inasmuch as only oneply of paper is being acted upon at this time, and the difference in thethickness of one-ply does not materially affect the centering of theblade and rollers. shown in the drawings, is therefore rigidly connectedwith its supporting-arms. The advantage derived by yieldinglyconnectingthe blade with its support is, however, fully obtained upon producingthe second fold in the sheet, and this advantage increases in proportionto the total number of folds which are produced in the sheet, inasmuchas the ag- This blade, as

gregate thickness of the signature increases at the same ratio, causingthe separation of the folding-rollers and the shifting ofthe centerbetween the same to become more pronounced as the sheets of paper.increase in thickness.

l/Vhen folding a book-signature, the tapes over the two third pairs ofrollers d djf are moved in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 3, wherebythe sheet upon issuing from the second rollers will be carried over thethird book rollers. If, however, the sheet is to be folded into the formof a periodical-signature, the direction of movement of the tapes isreversed, so as to carry the sheet issuing from the second rollerseither to the third periodical-rollers, which are parallel to the first,or to the fourth periodical-rollers, which are parallel to the second.This reversal of the movement of these tapes is effected by providingtwo sets of spiral gears 'i whereby the roller h maybe connected withthe main shaft I for driving these tapes in either direction. When thesheet is carried from the second rollers over the third book-rollers,the forward movement of the same in that direction is arrested by a gaged. A similar gage f (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3) is provided whenthe sheet is to be carried from the second rollers to the thirdperiodiealrollers, which are par allel to the first. If, however, thesheet is to be carried directly from the second rollers to the fourth.periodical-rollers h 71,, then the gage f is removed, permitting thesheet to move forward to the gage 7L2 in position to be folded by theblade K and rollers it h.

For the purpose of enabling the machine to be quickly and reliably setso as to direct the sheet from the second rollers either toward thebook-rollers or the periodicalrollers which are arranged on oppositesides thereof a switch mechanism is provided, which is constructed asfollows: N N represent a plurality of switch or deflector rollers whichare arranged in a longitudinal series between the lower opposing partsof the cooperating second rollers. These deflector-rollers are mountedupon. a. rocking support, so as to permit the same to be swung intoengagement with the lower side of either of the second rollers c c. Thisrocking support preferably consists of a plurality of upright rockarmsa, a horizontal pivot or rod 71, mounted on the upper ends of these armsand carrying the deflector or switch rollers, and a rock-.

shaft n, to which the lower ends of the rockarms are secured. Thisrock-shaft is journaled in a bracket a which is secured to the adjacentstationary part of the main frame. Upon rocking the shaft in thedirection for engaging the deflector-rollers N N with the folding-rollerc, as shown in Figs. 3, 1]., and 13, the sheet issuing from the undersides of the second rollers will be directed by the deflecting-rollersunderneath the roller 0 of said pair, causing the same to be carried tothe third book-rollers by the tapes D, which are moving in thatdirection. Upon turning the rock-shaft n so as to carry the deflector-roll ers against the folding-roller c the sheet passingdownwardly between the two rollers c 0 will be directed around the underside of the roller 0 toward the periodical foldingrollers, in whichdirection the same will be carried by employing the proper gears i forcausing the tapes D to move in that direction. The deflector-rollers N Nmay be shifted into engagement with one or the other of the folding-rollers c c and held in this position by any suitable means,preferably by means ofa depending adjusting-arm O, secured at its upperend. to the front part of the rock-shaft n and provided at its lower endwith a set ting-point having inclined sides. This point preferablyconsists of a set-screw 0, having a tapering end which is adapted toengage with one or the other of two tapering sockets or recesses 0 0 inthe adjacent part of the bracket it. These recesses are arranged closetogether, and the set-screw can be engaged with one or the other recessby springing the adjusting-arm outwardly, the same being sufficientlyelastic to permit of this, thus avoiding the necessity of turning theadjusting-screw back and forth for this purpose. The relation of theset-screw to the recesses is such that upon shifting the adjusting-armfrom one position to another the screw will not be exactly in line witheither of these re cesses, but will engage its conical point with theinclined margin of one of the conical recesses, so that the resilienceof the adjustingarm will cause the adjusting-screw to con stantly tend.to center itself in the respective recess, and thereby produce ayielding pressure of the deflector-rollers N N against whichever second.fold ing-roller they are bearing.

The central deflector-roller N has its periphery preferably faced withrubber, while the rollers N on opposite sides of the same may have theirperipheries either smooth or knurled. By this means a firm grip isobtained by the deflector-roller N upon the center of the sheet forpositively controlling its movement while the other rollers N hold thesheet sufficiently close to the respective second folding-roller forcausing the sheet to pass around the under side of the latter. In

the upper part of the bracket n a fixed bearing P and alaterally-movable bearing P are mounted, in which the shafts of thefixed and laterally-movable rollers of the third pair of book andperiodical rollers (Z d, f are journaled, a spring 1) serving to pressthe later all -movable bearing constantly toward the fixed bearing, asshown in Fig. 9.

For the purpose of producing a row of per forations in the sheet as thesame issues from the under side of the second folding-rollers aperforating device is provided, which is preferably constructed asfollows: Q represents a rotary perforating wheel or disk having anannular row of perforating teeth or cutters on its periphery. This wheelis mounted on the upper end of a carrier or holder 9, which may besecured to either side of the bracket n, so that the teeth of theperforating-wheel project into the path of the sheet as the same movesfrom the folding-rollers c 0 either to ward the book-rollers or theperiodical-rollers on opposite sides of the same. Each ofthe secondfolding-rollers is provided centrally with an annular groove g, into thelower part of which the teeth on the upper side of the perforating-wheelare adapted to project a sufficient extent to cross the path of thesheet and insure perforating of the same. As shown in full lines in Fig.11, the perforator is applied to the right-hand roller 0 of the secondfolding device, whereby the sheet is perforated while in transit fromthe second folding device to the third book rollers; Upon reversing theperforator into the position shown by dotted lines in the same figurethis perforator cooperates with the left-hand roller 0 of the secondfolding device for perforating the sheet while in transit from thesecond rollers to the periodical-rollers. The holder or carrier whichsupports the perforator is preferably secured against one side or theother of the bracket n by means of a bolt Q2 passing through the holderand a vertical slot g in the bracket, which slot permits of adjustingthe rotary perforator relatively to the respective folding-roller foradapting the same to different thicknesses of paper and also for takingup wear.

For the purpose of causing the sheet upon issuing from the under side ofthe third bookrollers to be discharged either into a stackerbox belowthe same or to the fourth book folding-rollers e c for producinganotherfold in the same, the rollers 6 which carry the receiving ends ofthe back tapes E, are adjustably supported, so as to be bodily movableinto and out of the path of the sheets as they issue from the third bookfoldingrollers (Z d. In addition to the tape-rollers e, a plurality ofauxiliary deflector or switch rollers r are employed, one of which isarranged centrally between the tape-rollers c and two others on oppositesides of the same, whereby a more extended support for the sheet isproduced upon deflecting the same from the third book-rollers to thefourth book-rollers. When it is desired to discharge the completedsignature directly downward from the third book-rollers, thetape-rollers e and their companion deflectorrollers r are withdrawninwardly or out of the path of the signature as the same issues from theunder side of the third book-rollers, as represented in Fig. 4. Then itis desired to direct the sheets from the third book-rollers to thefourth book-rollers, the tape-rollers e and the deflector-rollers r aremoved outwardly and upwardly into the space between the lower parts ofthe third book-rollers, as shown in Fig. 14, thereby causing the same tointercept the sheet issuing from these rollers and direct thesame to thefourth book-rollers. It will be observed that these tape-rollers e notonly serve to support the tapes, but also serve as deflector-rollerswhich, together with the deflector-rollers 1', control the movement ofthe sheet. The preferred means for effecting the bodily adjustment ofthe tape and deflector rollers e r into and out of their operativeposition is constructed as follows and is best shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5,11, 13 to 16: R represents a horizontal shaft or rod upon which therollers e r are mounted. r represents two rock-arms, upon the upper freeends of which the shaft R is journaled near its opposite ends. The lowerends of these rock-arms are pivoted on the upper end of twovertically-movable slides R, which move in guideways 1, arranged on theadj acent part of the main frame. Upon elevating the slides the rollerse r and the tapes E, mounted on some of them, engage with the under sideof the inner folding-roller d and are forced thereby into the spacebetween the third book folding-rollers d d, as shown in Fig. 14, inwhich the sheet is intercepted and directed to the fourth book-rollers.Upon lowering the slides the rollers e r are moved inwardly out of thepath of the sheets issuing from the third book-rollers by means of twoshifting-fingers s 8, each of which is secured at its lower end to theadjacent part of the main frame, while its upper end engages with thefront side of one of the rockarms 1". These fingers are preferablyconstructed of spring metal, so that they will adapt themselves to thevarying positions of the rock-arms r. In order to insure a firmengagement of the tapes and rollers e r with the rear or inner thirdbook-roller d, a yielding upward pressure is applied to each of therock-arms r by means of a spring 8, secured to the upper end of eachslide R and engaging with the under side of a pin or shoulder s on theadjacent rock-arm r, as shown in Figs. 13 and 15. In the projected oroperative position of the rollers e 1' the tapes are sufliciently tautto properly carry the sheets from the third book-rollers to the fourthbookroll'ers; but in the retracted or inoperative position of therollers e 1* these tapes become slack, which, however, is notobjectionable, as the tapes are not in use at this time. If desired, thetapes may be driven solely by frictional contact with the folding-rollerd; but it is preferable to drive them positively in order to morereliably deliver the sheets from the third to the fourth book-rollers.This positive driving of the tapes E, as shown in Figs. 11., 13, 15, and16 of the drawings, is effected by arranging a gear-pinion r" on one endof the deflector-shaft lit and engaging the same with a gear-wheel 1" onthe adjacent end of the folding-roller (Z. In order to increase thecarrying effect of the rollers 7, the same are preferably faced on theirperiphery with rubber. Although various means may be employed forraising and lowering the slides R, that shown in the drawings ispreferred, owing to its simplicity and convenience of manipulation, andis constriu'ited as follows: T represents a horizontal rock shaftarranged in rear of the slides R and journaled in bearings mounted onthe adjacent part of the main frame. This rockshaft is connected witheach of the slides R by a pair of upright toggle-bars t t, as shown inFigs. 13 and 14. Upon turning the toggle rock-shaft by means of a handlet in the direction for straightening the toggles, as represented inFigs. 13 and 14, the slides are raised and the rollers r and tapes E aremoved into their operative position, while upon turning the rock-shaft Tin the opposite direction for breaking the toggle-bars, as shown in Fig.4, the slides are lowered and the rollers e 1' and tapes E are movedinto their retracted or inoperative position. This means of throwing thesheet from the third book-rollers either into a box below the same ortoward the fourth book-rollers is very simple in construction andreliable in operation and permits this change to be effected. quicklyand without disturbing any other parts of the machine.

In order to elevate the lower part of the tapes E above the bearings orsupports in which the front ends of the fourth book-rollers arejournaled, these tapes are passed over a guide-roller t, which ispreferably mounted on a rod t, which serves also to pivotally connectthe rock-arms r with the upper parts of the slides R, shown in Figs. 11, l3, and 14.

Any suitable stacking mechanism may be provided, that shown in thedrawings being constructed as follows: U U U U represent the receivingor packing boxes, which are arranged, respectively, below the rollers (Zd, e c, 7t 7t, and g g. u u a u represent the packers, which push thesignatures forwardly in the boxes. V represents an upright packer orrock-shaft from which all of the packers of the several stacking devicesare simultaneously operated and which is actuated by a cam '0 on thecam-shaf t. The boxes U U U are not adjustable vertically; but the box Uis made vertically adjustable by means of a shank X, which supports thestacking-box U and carries a gear-rack as, which meshes with anadjusting gear-pinion m Preparatory to entering the folding-machine thesheets are registered at their front edges by front guides or gages Y,and after being fed over the first pair of folding-rollers the sheet isalso registered on one of its side edges by a side register or gage Z.

1 claim as my invention- 1. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers,a folding-blade movable toward and from said rollers, a carrier for saidblade, and an automatic adjusting device connecting said blade with saidcarrier and constructed to constantly hold said blade yieldingly on thecarrier, substantially as set forth.

2. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers, a foldingblade movabletoward and from said rollers, a carrier for said blade, meansconstructed to loosely connect said blade and carrier, and a springoperating to hold said blade yieldingly in position, sub stantially asset forth.

3. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers, a folding-blade movabletoward and from said rollers, a carrier for said blade, a bolt arrangedon said carrier and. passing loosely through said blade, and a springmounted on said bolt and operating to hold said blade yieldingly in.position, substantially as set forth.

i. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers, a folding-blade, anactuator for moving the blade toward and from the rollers, and means forflexibly connecting said. blade with said actuator consisting of a boltsecured. to the actuator and passing loosely through an opening in theblade, and a spring interposed between a shoulder on. the bolt and thefront of the blade, substantially as set forth.

5. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers, a folding-blade havingan opening in its rear edge, a rock-arm, a bolt secured. to the arm andpassing loosely through said opening, and a spring mounted on said boltand interposed betweenthc front of the blade and a head on the bolt,substantially as set forth. I

6. A folding-machine comprising foldingrollers, a folding-blade having astiffeningbar along the back of its rear edge, said blade and bar havingan opening through the same which flares from its central part towardopposite ends, a rock-arm with which the back of said bar engages, abolt secured to said. arm and passing loosely through said opening, anda spring surrounding said bolt and bearing with its ends against thefront of the blade and the head of the bolt, substantially as set forth.

7. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, two pairs offolding-rollers arranged on. opposite sides of the first-mentioned pair,and a single set of carrying-tapes arranged between said first-mentionedpair of rollers and both of said last-mentioned pairs of rollers,substantially as set forth.

8. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, two pairs offolding-rollers ar- TTO ranged on opposite sides of the first-mentionedpair, a single set of carrying-tapes arranged between saidfirst-mentioned pair of rollers and both of said last-mentioned pairs ofrollers, and a switch for directing the sheets from said first-mentionedpair of roll ers to either of said last-mentioned pairs of rollers,substantially as set forth.

9. A folding-machine comprising a pair of foldingrollers, two pairs offolding-rollers arranged on opposite sides of the first-men tioned pair,a single set of carrying-tapes arranged between said first-mentionedpair of rollers and both of said last-mentioned pairs of rollers,driving mechanism for moving said tapes in either direction, and aswitch for directing the sheets from said first-mentioned pair ofrollers to either of said last-mentioned pairs of rollers, substantiallyas set forth.

10. A foldingmachine comprising a pair of folding-rollers and a switchfor directing the sheets from the folding-rollers toward either sidethereof comprising deflector-rollers arranged between thefolding-rollers, and means for shifting said deflector-rollers towardeither of said folding-rollers, said deflecting-rollers beingconstructed and operating to cause the sheet to travel between thedeflecting-roller and the respective folding-roller against which thedeflecting-rollers are thrown, substantially as set forth.

11. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers and a switchfor directing the sheets from the folding-rollers toward either sidethereof comprising deflector-rollers arranged between thefolding-rollers, and rock-arms upon which said deflector rollers aremounted, said deflecting-rollers being constructed and operating tocause the sheet to travel between the deflecting-roller and therespective folding-roller against which the deflecting-rollers arethrown, substan tially as set forth.

12. A foldingqnachine comprising a pair of folding-rollers and a switchfor directing the sheets from the foldmg-rollers toward either sidethereof comprising deflector-rollers arranged between thefoldingrollcrs, rock-arms carrying said deflector-rollers, and anadjusting-arm connected with said rockarins, said defiecting-rollersbeing constructed and operating to cause the sheet to travel between thedeflecting-roller and the respec tive folding-roller against which thedeflecting-rollers are thrown, substantially as set forth.

13. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers and a switchfor directing the sheets from the folding-rollers toward either sidethereof comprising deflector-rollers arranged between thefolding-rollers, rock-arms carrying said deflector-rollers, a bracketprovided with recesses having inclined sides, and an adjusting-armconnected with the rock-arms and having an inclined point adapted toengage with either of said recesses, substantially as set forth.

14. A folding-machine comprising apair of folding-rollers and a switchfor directing the sheets from the folding-rollers toward either sidethereof comprising deflectorroll ers arranged between thefolding-rollers, rock-arms upon which said deflectorrollers are mounted,a rock-shaft to which said rockarms are secured, a bracket havingbearings in which said shaft is ournaled and provided with a pluralityof conical recesses, an adjusting-arm connected with said shaft, and aset-screw arranged on said adjusting-arm and having a conical end whichis adapted to enter either of said conical recesses, substantially asset forth.

15. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, a set ofdeflector-rollers ar' ranged between said folding-rollers and having itscentral member provided with an elastic face While the remaining membershave non-elastic faces, and means for moving said deflector-rollerstoward either of said foldingrollers, substantially as set forth.

16. A folding-machine comprising one pair of folding-rollers, two otherpairs of foldingrollers arranged on opposite sides of thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers, deflector-rollers arranged between therollers of the firstmentioned pair, and means for moving saiddeflector-rollers toward either roller of the first-mentioned pair fordirecting the sheets from the same to either pair of folding-rollers onopposite sides of the same, substantially as set forth.

17. A folding-machine comprising one pair of folding-rollers, two otherpairs of foldingrollers arranged on opposite sides of thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers, a single set of carrying-tapes arrangedon the delivery side of the first-mentioned pair of folding-rollers andextending to both pairs of folding-rollers on opposite sides of thesame, deflectorrollers arranged between the rollers of thefirstmentioned pair, and means for moving said deflector-rollers towardeither roller of the first-mentioned pair for directing the sheets fromthe same to either pair of fol ding-rollers on opposite sides of thesame,substantially as set forth.

18. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, two otherpairs of folding rollers arranged on opposite sides of thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers, a bracket arranged below thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers, bearings which. are mounted on saidbracket and in .which said lastmentioned pairs of rollers are journaled,deflector-rollers arranged between the rollers of the firstmentionedpair, and means mounted on said bracket for moving saiddeflector-rollers toward either roller of the first-mentioned pair, saiddeflecting-rollers being constructed and operating to cause the sheet totravel between the deflecting-roll er and the respectivefoldii'ig-roller against which the deflectingrollers are thrown,substantially as set forth.

1.9. A folding-machine comprising a pair of foldingrollers each havingan annular groove, means for directing the sheet toward either side ofsaid rollers upon. issuing from the same, a rotary perforator having anannular row. of teeth, and means for holding said perforator with itsteeth projecting into the groove of either of said rollers,substantially as set forth.

20. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers each havingan annular groove, means for directing the sheet toward. either side ofsaid rollers upon issuing from the same, a bracket arranged below saidrollers, a rotary perforator having an annular row of teeth, and aholder for said perforator constructed for attachment to either side ofsaid bracket and adapted to support the pe forator in position forprojecting its teeth into the groove of either of said rollers,substantially as set forth.

21. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, two otherpairs of foldingrollers arranged on opposite sides of thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers, means for di recting the sheet fromsaid first-mentioned pair of rollers to either of said last-mentionedpairs of rollers, and a perforating-wheel adapted to be arranged betweeneither roller or the first-mentioned pair and one of the lastmentionedpairs of rollers, substantially as set forth.

2-2. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, two otherpairs of foldingrollers arranged on opposite sides of the firstmentionedpair of rollers, a single set of tapes arranged below thefirst-mentioned pair of rollers and extending in opposite directions toboth of the last-mentioned pairs of rollers, means for directing thesheet from said firstmentioned pair of rollers to either of saidlast-mentioned pairs of rollers, and a perforating-wheel adapted to bearranged between either roller of the first-mentioned pair and one ofthe last-mentioned pairs of rollers, substantially as set forth.

23. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers, and means for moving the deflector-rollers into andout of the path of the sheets issuing from the folding-rollers and intoand out of operative engagement with one of said folding-rollers, saiddeflector-rollers being constructed and operating to cause the sheet totravel between the same and the folding-roller against which it isthrown, substantially as set forth.

24:. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflecting-rollers, and means for moving the deflectonrollers into andout of the path of the sheets issuing from the folding-rollers and intoand out of? operative engagement with one of said foldingrollerscomprising rock-arms supporting said deflector-rollers, saiddeflector-rollers being constructed and operating to cause the sheet totravel between the same and the foldingroller against which it isthrown, substantlally as set forth.

25. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for controlling the direction. of movement of thesheets upon issuing from said folding-rollers, and means for moving thedeflector-rollers into and out of the path. cf the sheets comprisingreck-arms which support the deflector-rollers and slides upon which saidrockarms are mounted, substantially as set forth.

26. A foldinganachine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for controlling the direction of movement of thesheets upon issuing from said folding-1'ollers, and means for moving thedeflector-rollers into and out of the path of the sheets comprisingrock-arms which support said deflector-rollers, slides upon which therockarms are mounted, springs operating to hold said rollers yieldinglyin engagement with one of the folding-rollers, and retracting-fingersengaging with said rock-arms and operating to move the deflector-rollersout of the path of the sheets, substantially as set forth.

27. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for controlling the direction of movement of thesheets upon issuing from said folding-rollers, and means for moving thedeflector-rollers into and. out of the path of the sheets comprisingrock-arms which support said deflec tor-rollers, slides upon which therock-arms are mounte l, and a toggle device for moving said slides,substantially as set forth.

28. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for controlling the direction of movement of thesheets upon issuing from said folding-rollers, and means for moving thedeflector-rollers .into and out of the path. of the sheets comprisingrock-arms which support said deflector-rollers, slides upon which therock-arms are mounted, a roclvshaft, and toggles connecting said shaftwith said slides, substantially as set forth.

29. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for con trolling the direction of movement of thesheets upon issuing from the folding-rollers, means for moving saiddeflector-rollers into and out of the path of the sheets, a shaftcarrying said rollers, and a gear-pinion secured to said shaft andmeshing with a gear-wheel which turns with one of said folding-rollers,substantial y as set forth.

30. A folding-machine comprisin a pair of folding-rollers,deflector-rollers for con trolling the direction of movement of thesheets upon issuing from the folding-rollers, means for moving saiddeflector-rollers into and out of the path of the sheets, andcarrying-tapes passing around said deflector-rollers, substantially asset forth.

31. A foldingmaohine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, another pairof folding-rollers arranged adjacent to the first-mentioned pair,deflector-rollers movable into and out of the path of the sheets issuingfrom the first-mentioned pair of folding-rollers, and carrying-tapespassing around said deflectorrollers to said last-mentioned pair offoldingrollers, substantially as set forth.

32. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, another airof folding-rollers arranged adjacent to t e first-mentioned pair,deflector-rollers movable into and out of the path of the sheets issuingfrom the first-mentioned pair of folding-rollers, carrying-tapes passingaround said deflector-rollers to said last-mentioned pair offoldingrollers, slides upon which said deflectorrrollers are mounted,and guide-rollers for said tapes mounted on said slides, substantiallyas set forth.

33. A folding-machine comprising a pair of folding-rollers, another airof folding-rollers arranged adjacent to t e first-mentioned pair,deflector-rollers movable into and out of the path of the sheets issuingfrom the first-mentioned pair of folding-rollers, carrying-tapes passingaround said deflector-rollers to said last-mentioned pair offoldingrollers, rock-arms carrying said deflectorrollers, slides uponwhich said arms are pivoted, and a guide-roller for said tapes mountedon the pivot of said rock-arms, substantially as set forth.

34. A folding-machine comprising one pair of folding-rollers, anotherpair of folding-rollers arranged on one side of the first-mentionedpair, and a sheet-controlling device comprising deflector-rollersmovable against one roller of the first-mentioned pair of rollers andinto the path of the sheets issuing from the same for directing thesheets to the last-mentioned pair of rollers or to clear said path fordirecting the sheets away from said last-mentioned pair of rollers, saiddeflectorrollers being constructed and operating to cause the sheets totravel between the same and the roller of the first-mentioned pair whenthrown against the same, substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 18th day of January, 1905.

CHARLES A. STURTEVANT. i

Witnesses:

Gno. W. PARDEE, ELLSWORTH E. BUSH.

